This year, it is anticipated that nearly 8 million mini fans will be purchased by consumers in the UK, driven by the current heat wave. However, nearly half of these fans are expected to be of subpar quality, likely ending up in landfills within a year of purchase.
Concerns have been raised by waste management professionals and recycling advocates as the interest in electric handheld fans—priced as low as £2—has already surpassed the total online searches for such items recorded in all of 2025 during just the first half of this year.
The surge in temperatures experienced in late June resulted in a significant increase in Google search queries, which more than doubled compared to the previous month, as reported by the campaign group Material Focus.
Retailers specializing in electrical goods have noted a notable rise in demand for cooling devices. For example, Joybuy, an online retailer, saw a staggering increase of over 2,500% in fan sales on a week-to-week basis during last month’s heatwave. This Chinese company also contributed to the trend by distributing 6,000 handheld fans for free at various transport hubs in London.
John Lewis reported that sales of its £15 neck fans tripled during the heatwave, while Currys acknowledged a nearly 3,000% rise in fan sales over the hottest weekend compared to the previous week, indicating a shortage of stock.
Weather forecasts suggest that UK temperatures may exceed 30°C for up to ten consecutive days starting midweek, with peaks expected to reach 34°C.
Scott Butler, the executive director of Material Focus, encouraged consumers to consider purchasing higher-quality products or exploring alternatives like paper fans. He advised individuals to responsibly recycle any non-functional items at local facilities.
“Mini fans, which have become emblematic of fast technology, started gaining popularity last year and are flooding the market during this heatwave, aiding us in coping with extreme temperatures,” he stated. “However, many of these products are discarded shortly after purchase or end up neglected in drawers. With a little more thought, we could invest in items that last longer, perform equally well, and are more environmentally friendly.”
Last year, Material Focus estimated that 55% of mini fans were discarded, and if purchasing trends continue, approximately 4.3 million of the expected 7.9 million mini fans sold in the UK in 2026 may also be thrown away this year.
While waste management officials have not yet observed an increase in disposable fans in refuse collections, they advise users against disposing of these items in regular bins and recommend checking with local councils or retailers for take-back programs.
Richard Hudson, policy and technical manager at the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, warned that improper disposal of electrical items in curbside recycling or waste collections can create significant challenges for waste handlers. He explained, “These items can be crushed and damaged during collection, and due to their high-powered lithium-ion batteries, they pose fire risks, endangering workers and the environment.”
He emphasized that the mass production of inexpensive, low-quality electrical products, which are not designed for durability or responsible end-of-life management, contributes to the depletion of valuable raw materials.
